NEWS

Mount Saint Mary College awarded $1 million from state

Million Dollar Smiles: Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM (left),
president of Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, receives good
news from Senator William Larkin.

This fall, Mount Saint Mary College kicked off the public phase
of a $10 million campaign by announcing it was nearly two thirds of
the way toward its goal.

On December 19, the college received more good news: its
Dominican Center project will receive $1 million in Empire State
Development Grant funds, via the regional economic development
council process of consolidated funding application.

College president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, described the
Dominican Center capital project as a “flagship project, to
transform a 1927 structure and grounds into a 21st century living
and learning center.”

He praised Governor Andrew Cuomo for recognizing that “Mount
Saint Mary College is a regional economic engine.”

“This construction project alone will be employing around 200
New Yorkers,” said Mackin, who notes the lead contractor is
Kirchhoff-Consigli Construction Management.

Mackin also acknowledged “major partnership gifts” from the
Kaplan Family Foundations, the Dyson Foundation, the Dominican
Sisters of Hope, the college’s board of trustees, and alumni and
other friends.

The Dominican Center’s five story 100,000 square foot primary
structure will accommodate a library/learning commons, a residence
hall for approximately 156 students (meeting a growing demand for
on-campus housing), a dining facility, and the existing Chapel of
the Holy Rosary.

The center is projected to earn its certificate of occupancy in
late 2013, to open January 2014.

Other phases of the project include the renovation of space made
vacant in Aquinas Hall by the relocation of the library. That space
will be used to expand the college’s business education.

“More than 40 percent of this year’s freshmen are pursuing
health professions, be it nursing or physical therapy, pre-med,
pre-physician assistant, etc.,” explained Mackin. “And many are
first generation college students in their family. The Mount is
definitely an integral part of the community…a sign of hope.”